tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53240687165233186292014-10-14T07:37:57.322-07:00My life as a Peace Corps volunteerA template for thoughts and experiences surrounding my time volunteering with the Peace Corps as an agroforestry extension agent in Senegal.Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-88121035570965984452013-05-31T03:20:00.000-07:002013-05-31T03:20:02.489-07:00Tragedy emphasizes communal nature of Senegalese<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>I have long heard that one of the most distinguishing factors between Eastern & Western cultures are their communal and individualistic natures. Although this has been apparent to me in many different ways, not only in my travels in college and noticing differences between my character and life in America and with where I was, but often in my Peace Corps experience here in Senegal (i.e. eating out of a single bowl for meals, sharing the smallest proportion of food between many so everyone gets a little, etc). Nevertheless, it is amazing to see the fundamental nature of a community come out in full force, although generally this takes a horrific event as a catalyst. The catalyst in the Bow Pellu neighborhood of Diara Pont was the destruction of two family compounds consisting of seven huts. <p>Although there is a lot to be said about the burning of fields, everyone here does it. The occasional result in the destruction of homes, does not stop people from doing it. In Kedougou, we are still in the midst of the dry season, temperatures are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit daily, with it cooling into the 80s in the middle of the night. However, the rainy season, simultaneously farming season, is approaching. There have been a handful of rains and it prompts people to start thinking of preparing their fields. This is the reasoning as to why a field was left burning, unattended- normal practice- on Saturday May 18. It may have been left because of the approaching dark clouds (bringing rain) visible in the distance, and the increasing winds, telltale of an incoming storm. Then again, it may not have been; the farmer may have started the burn and normal and left. Nevertheless, the winds that afternoon were horrendous. I was biking to a nearby village and had to stop several times against the head wind because I simply could not pedal against it . I struggled to stand over my bike & even when I could move, I was afraid that the wind would knock me over before I got to the protection of trees or a turn that would get me out of the wind. As I said, I left my village the afternoon the households burned. I was told the next day upon returning that the flames were meters upon meters in the air, larger than any fires people had seen before. Fortunately, all the villagers who lived in the houses ran away to safety nearby. In the comfort of neighbors and villagers who came running to see what was going on, together, they watched everything the families own, besides the clothes they were wearing- clothes, buckets, furniture, money, food stores for the upcoming months, EVERYTHING, turn to ash. <p>In America, this would result in an insurance claim as a means of recovering things. Here, the cash savings of these families burned because they did not have a bank account, the nearest bank being nearly 50 miles away. By the time I returned the next morning and heard the news, people of my community had been visiting through the day, offering food and clothing to the families while the elders worked out a schedule for the upcoming week with the heads of households to get what was remaining of the structures livable before the rains inevitable become more consistent. Although some outer walls were knocked down and some of the hut walls structurally unsound, five huts in the upcoming week were reinforced with manure painted walls by women over two days, and roofed the following day by men from surrounding villages thanks to a radio announcement made earlier in the week. I am shocked at the transformation within such a short amount of time thanks to the community effort of so many in cutting and collecting bamboo and grasses, collecting manure, fetching water, not to mention the time and labor to get the work done as well as cooking for those who came to help. It is amazing. I am heartbroken for the losses of the family but am touched to see how many contributed to the beginning of the restoration of their livelihoods. I can only imagine the seeds that will be donated so they can farm this year, although they will undoubtedly have a more challenging year than most as they rebuild their lives from essentially nothing. <center><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFvtWSBXZEY/Uah0qCw8xNI/AAAAAAAAKSM/lIa-EFcqpMo/s1600/IMGP6412.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFvtWSBXZEY/Uah0qCw8xNI/AAAAAAAAKSM/lIa-EFcqpMo/s320/IMGP6412.JPG" /></a><p>A view of most of the huts the day after <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdRXCJEs62s/Uahz9vy05OI/AAAAAAAAKRs/9ilo8EoCp1w/s1600/IMGP6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdRXCJEs62s/Uahz9vy05OI/AAAAAAAAKRs/9ilo8EoCp1w/s320/IMGP6462.JPG" /></a><p>Alfa Oumar Kante showing the remains of his hut <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nm-6letxrAg/Uah1Jlppk0I/AAAAAAAAKSc/DzyjbQVEeFI/s1600/IMGP6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nm-6letxrAg/Uah1Jlppk0I/AAAAAAAAKSc/DzyjbQVEeFI/s320/IMGP6470.JPG" /></a><p>Burned bikes <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn7FNTptNAs/Uah2C5dNWQI/AAAAAAAAKSs/uAhSsteO9Pg/s1600/IMGP6475.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn7FNTptNAs/Uah2C5dNWQI/AAAAAAAAKSs/uAhSsteO9Pg/s320/IMGP6475.JPG" /></a><p>Burnt corn <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XMB9GGfhso/Uah4zGlPLVI/AAAAAAAAKTY/AvgL9w75tq0/s1600/IMGP6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XMB9GGfhso/Uah4zGlPLVI/AAAAAAAAKTY/AvgL9w75tq0/s320/IMGP6489.JPG" /></a><p>The difference after painting! <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4j82_Q-eGY/Uah2TF7aW-I/AAAAAAAAKS0/kZ1gzFPWSCc/s1600/IMGP6490.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4j82_Q-eGY/Uah2TF7aW-I/AAAAAAAAKS0/kZ1gzFPWSCc/s320/IMGP6490.JPG" /></a><p>Painting the walls with a manure mixture <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_j1rPHtCgi8/Uah3D6poKgI/AAAAAAAAKTI/usuhAxbBnzk/s1600/IMGP6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_j1rPHtCgi8/Uah3D6poKgI/AAAAAAAAKTI/usuhAxbBnzk/s320/IMGP6507.JPG" /></a><p>Making the roof <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pI81pX3gXk/Uah3B2m9bqI/AAAAAAAAKTA/Dm9U6S9lymw/s1600/IMGP6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pI81pX3gXk/Uah3B2m9bqI/AAAAAAAAKTA/Dm9U6S9lymw/s320/IMGP6512.JPG" /></a><p>Mens work day for roofing <p></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-65115453117083337192013-05-31T01:27:00.003-07:002013-11-25T23:59:50.262-08:00Etchilo Latrine Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>I have done several latrine projects in my service, something that came very much as a surprise to me. However, when approached by a villager, I find myself unable to say no because it is such a simple need that I can help fulfill; I can write a grant to get funds for the materials whereas the villages I do them in, already have the knowledge and capacity to construct them but lack the money to do so (often it is being spent or saved for other things). Therefore, after initially saying no because of my involvement with other projects, the persistence and hospitality of the women's group president finally made me agree, despite of the tight timeline due to the upcoming rainy season (you can't build latrines during the rainy season because the holes will collapse and the cement will not set properly). So, having a motivated work partner, the former host mom of a volunteer who has since completed her service and did not get replaced in village, I was able to get materials for 10 latrines in the community and see their completion thanks to another grant from the Water Charity.Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-89157637196330406782013-05-31T00:46:00.000-07:002013-05-31T00:46:17.320-07:00Not a completely "hands off" AgFo season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Although my intention was to delegate more this work season, in many ways I have been with seed and sack distribution meetings and tree nursery checks, I still managed to get my hands dirty. I, of course, have a small personal tree nursery in my backyard with cashew, mango, and papaya, but in a nearby village, Kekeressi, I organized a 400 sack tree nursery with Acacia Melifera for a live fence for the women's garden there with the volunteer who lives there, Jubal. With an afternoon of seed preparation (cutting and soaking) and manure gathering, we were able to put in a long day (nearly sunrise to sundown) to fill and seed the tree sacks. They are coming along quite nicely! Outplanting will be a lot of work but hopefully a work day with villagers will make it happen more quickly. <center><p><ahref="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UK8pLyffGo/UahTu3B5CGI/AAAAAAAAKPc/PvEsq0gy0y4/s1600/IMGP6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UK8pLyffGo/UahTu3B5CGI/AAAAAAAAKPc/PvEsq0gy0y4/s320/IMGP6343.JPG" /></a><p>Prepping corners of sacks <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwmAZV_QET8/UahTw6DxU_I/AAAAAAAAKPk/wDs0pvHSdfs/s1600/IMGP6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwmAZV_QET8/UahTw6DxU_I/AAAAAAAAKPk/wDs0pvHSdfs/s320/IMGP6345.JPG" /></a><p>Jubal filling sacks <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK7VlYwuY1M/UahUOV1ZqOI/AAAAAAAAKPs/R80wfHwbbFk/s1600/IMGP6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK7VlYwuY1M/UahUOV1ZqOI/AAAAAAAAKPs/R80wfHwbbFk/s320/IMGP6358.JPG" /></a><p>Tree Nursery </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-26814566172662455062013-04-11T07:09:00.001-07:002013-04-11T07:09:45.848-07:00AgFo Work Season!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>I am taking a different approach to agroforestry work this year. Last year I was really good about having a large personal nursery and going out and helping people with theirs. However, this year, having been able to include my area for training in coordination with NGOs Trees for the Future & Yaajeende, I am taking a more hands off, supervisory approach/role. I have coordinated to have farmers go into Kedougou for a nursery "how to" training. Then, it is their responsibility to train others interested in their villages, rather than me seeking everyone out. Further, I held meetings to determine what people wanted (types of seeds and consequently tree sack sizes and numbers) in order to obtain, organize, and the distribute materials and the knowledge for them to make nurseries. It has been good to check up on people on a weekly basis at the weekly market. This approach stems from the fact I will be taking a vacation when it would be essential to water my personal nursery, and don't want to burden someone to do it since the women's gardening has drastically increased since last year and most women are already watering their gardens in the morning and evenings, without going to my separate area. We will see how it goes! I am really hopeful because a greater number of people are interested in live fencing (more trees) whereas last year I primarily focused on mangoes and moringa last year. I am hoping their success last year with mangoes gave them the confidence for these live fencing species! It is the early stages...Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-57293532990233649042013-04-11T07:01:00.001-07:002013-04-11T07:01:07.952-07:00Senegalese Independence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>April 4th celebrated Senegal's 53rd year independent from French colonial rule. It's crazy to think that it has been independent less than an average lifetime whereas the US will be celebrating its 237th this July. Nevertheless, I was fortunate to be in village this year to witness the celebration. The vast majority of my village went to Dar Salaam, our rural communitaire, just 2km away, the village separating where I live from our regions' market town, Salemata. Dar Salaam is along the main laterite road and they set up a shaded area and took the desks from the school in addition to other plastic chairs for seating. It was hot but I walked over with my host mom, her friends and six children at 9am before the heat of the day really began to sink in. It was great seeing people in their nice outfits and admiring the womens' hair (e.g. braids). The day started with the raising of the Senegalese flag with a short musical tidbit I assume was the national anthem. Along the highway they used ash to make lanes you would see on a track. These served as sprinting lanes later, although beforehand, an equivalent of a parade happened. Group of children in matching "fete independence" (independence party) shirts, provided by World Vision, marched by, followed by a soccer team, men pretending to work fields, women in various matching outfits, a young girls dance group with a minor interruption by a sheep herded who joined the party by running by with his sheep in tow. Afterwards, various sprints took place. They also did this funny game where they blindfolded children, spun them around, handed them scissors and they walked towards a string to try to cut it. Seems a little dangerous, but children play with knives all the time here, and we give children fireworks in the States, soooo yah. There were drummers that played & people from the crowd came and danced. Dar Salaam is ethnically Malinke, known more for its music and dancing that Pulars in my area, so it was fun to see! I was invited to a government official's house for lunch at 2pm which I was grateful for (not only was I hungry and only shared a bowl with 3 men with oily rice and a meat and onion sauce, but I didn't have to eat in the crowded classrooms with many people sharing bowls, which also happened an hour after I ate). I saw people I knew from at least 6 surrounding villages, and even a man from Kedougou who came to cover the event for the radio. After everyone was done eating, we rested in the shaded area until it cooled down enough to walk home at 4:30pm. During this time we listened to a short playlist on repeat over big speakers. Coming home, we had a dinner bowl loaded with vegetables I bought from the market earlier in the week. <center><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIQwtvh0rPs/UWbBAutCO_I/AAAAAAAAJyM/g5oL9-VcvW8/s1600/IMGP4465.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIQwtvh0rPs/UWbBAutCO_I/AAAAAAAAJyM/g5oL9-VcvW8/s320/IMGP4465.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2jVwGtD3Aw/UWbBCO1eDYI/AAAAAAAAJyU/VjjfIlJD6Tk/s1600/IMGP4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2jVwGtD3Aw/UWbBCO1eDYI/AAAAAAAAJyU/VjjfIlJD6Tk/s320/IMGP4480.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SM9upelw-Fw/UWbBImluxLI/AAAAAAAAJyk/8fW_We9Lv1I/s1600/IMGP4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SM9upelw-Fw/UWbBImluxLI/AAAAAAAAJyk/8fW_We9Lv1I/s320/IMGP4491.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vbF4yagza0/UWbBQLNi0XI/AAAAAAAAJys/OrqK-FKkAUw/s1600/IMGP4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vbF4yagza0/UWbBQLNi0XI/AAAAAAAAJys/OrqK-FKkAUw/s320/IMGP4502.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U85TGj2t14/UWbBP99_paI/AAAAAAAAJyw/wzWHDIgnnPs/s1600/IMGP4500.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4U85TGj2t14/UWbBP99_paI/AAAAAAAAJyw/wzWHDIgnnPs/s320/IMGP4500.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIOJtT_b2K8/UWbBWVY4iTI/AAAAAAAAJy8/4AM0dCvMGrE/s1600/IMGP4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIOJtT_b2K8/UWbBWVY4iTI/AAAAAAAAJy8/4AM0dCvMGrE/s320/IMGP4503.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmMZMcbPk70/UWbBarsnvpI/AAAAAAAAJzE/frcVea9rvC8/s1600/IMGP4531.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmMZMcbPk70/UWbBarsnvpI/AAAAAAAAJzE/frcVea9rvC8/s320/IMGP4531.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8rPWsKdIZQ/UWbBbjNJHsI/AAAAAAAAJzM/V-lW7s3UuXI/s1600/IMGP4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8rPWsKdIZQ/UWbBbjNJHsI/AAAAAAAAJzM/V-lW7s3UuXI/s320/IMGP4528.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cubr4GAZzE/UWbBeiN4pBI/AAAAAAAAJzU/e3hwT6FfQpE/s1600/IMGP4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cubr4GAZzE/UWbBeiN4pBI/AAAAAAAAJzU/e3hwT6FfQpE/s320/IMGP4533.JPG" /></a><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbsvkyTK-Ec/UWbBgMwFGgI/AAAAAAAAJzc/E68-9G312-M/s1600/IMGP4539.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbsvkyTK-Ec/UWbBgMwFGgI/AAAAAAAAJzc/E68-9G312-M/s320/IMGP4539.JPG" /></a><p> </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-44271658657658349242013-04-01T05:44:00.000-07:002013-04-01T07:25:09.175-07:00Kedougou Youth Leadership Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>As a regional project, we invited 22 adolescents (ages 13-16), half boys and half girls, from the four subregions to Kedougou for a week-long residential camp during their school vacation. We rented out a campement and were able to conduct nearly the entire camp within its compound. Although I was not able to invite anyone from my village, I stayed at the camp as a supervisor for the entire week since I was in charge of morning and afternoon snacks, in addition to photographing the week, and leading in arts and crafts sessions. I am amazed at how well the camp came together! The theme of the camp was leadership and we truly did have an amazing group of kids. We did arts & crafts (tie dye, drawing, painting, making backpacks), as well as challenge course activities (bowl stack, human knot, counting to 20 as a team, and jumping through a rope in groups). We had a few dance sessions as well (Ballet, bollywood, and Zumba). We also had guest speakers for a career panel, to play "Best Game," a money management game, a women's doctor for health questions, Peace Corps cultural coordinator, Awa, came to address male and female roles in the household, dating at young ages, continuing one's education, and female genital mutiliation. We also talked on types of communication and rights of the youth as well as had family planning sessions. We had a great field trip to a waterfall in Dindefello for a nature walk! The kids had an amazing time and were very sad to leave by the end. I hope someone takes up this project again since it was a huge success! Unfortunately I cannot since I will leave before it happens again. <center><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1CQ-0IJHPc/UVl85JZsyZI/AAAAAAAAJv0/3QV_u03hrX8/s1600/IMG_4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1CQ-0IJHPc/UVl85JZsyZI/AAAAAAAAJv0/3QV_u03hrX8/s320/IMG_4260.JPG" /></a><p>Campers! <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4V630mE_o/UVl96xRra8I/AAAAAAAAJwM/Kd5gMUEzhRk/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4V630mE_o/UVl96xRra8I/AAAAAAAAJwM/Kd5gMUEzhRk/s320/IMG_3693.JPG" /></a><p>Monitors/camp counselors <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOyomtdVgNU/UVl91CDartI/AAAAAAAAJwE/9fLxcvDbkzE/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOyomtdVgNU/UVl91CDartI/AAAAAAAAJwE/9fLxcvDbkzE/s320/IMG_3878.JPG" /></a> <p>First Aid session <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKYFf-ZQhSQ/UVmAtWjH7uI/AAAAAAAAJx8/0uVyivT6ck4/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKYFf-ZQhSQ/UVmAtWjH7uI/AAAAAAAAJx8/0uVyivT6ck4/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" /></a><p>Money Management Game <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb9pPoGb21c/UVl-DTorIdI/AAAAAAAAJwU/kk-tfai67hM/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qb9pPoGb21c/UVl-DTorIdI/AAAAAAAAJwU/kk-tfai67hM/s320/IMG_3899.JPG" /></a><p>Ballet <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGogdGO1OY8/UVl-H0eY9sI/AAAAAAAAJwc/IjKxtJ0KlSw/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGogdGO1OY8/UVl-H0eY9sI/AAAAAAAAJwc/IjKxtJ0KlSw/s320/IMG_4252.JPG" /></a><p>Jeopardy session after learning about family planning <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5o_nwliBJM/UVl-3aroHxI/AAAAAAAAJxs/ekduAvBsV2w/s1600/IMG_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5o_nwliBJM/UVl-3aroHxI/AAAAAAAAJxs/ekduAvBsV2w/s320/IMG_4284.JPG" /></a><p>Helping with skits <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBhkhnjqP2Q/UVl-LYC2CuI/AAAAAAAAJwk/TSIJnq8bH0c/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBhkhnjqP2Q/UVl-LYC2CuI/AAAAAAAAJwk/TSIJnq8bH0c/s320/IMG_4148.JPG" /></a><p>Looking for animals <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHsCuKYHjNg/UVmAFq3O1YI/AAAAAAAAJx0/jFq5UouIFmE/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHsCuKYHjNg/UVmAFq3O1YI/AAAAAAAAJx0/jFq5UouIFmE/s320/IMG_4125.JPG" /></a><p>Waterfall fun <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibPaNV3xD8g/UVl-OKIK2pI/AAAAAAAAJws/G7FhSvv3MOY/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibPaNV3xD8g/UVl-OKIK2pI/AAAAAAAAJws/G7FhSvv3MOY/s320/IMG_4319.JPG" /></a><p>Art session <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-CbzEwc_VM/UVl-W_w2RlI/AAAAAAAAJw0/6vh3CaOj3Vc/s1600/IMG_4413.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-CbzEwc_VM/UVl-W_w2RlI/AAAAAAAAJw0/6vh3CaOj3Vc/s320/IMG_4413.JPG" /></a><p>Soccer in the evenings <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62rhy04tesY/UVl-XEXL6PI/AAAAAAAAJw8/ibKss1SHGIc/s1600/IMG_4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62rhy04tesY/UVl-XEXL6PI/AAAAAAAAJw8/ibKss1SHGIc/s320/IMG_4380.JPG" /></a><p>Women's doctor visit <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qynmBqESCCA/UVl-ea20iOI/AAAAAAAAJxE/HFoHR2EiTkk/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qynmBqESCCA/UVl-ea20iOI/AAAAAAAAJxE/HFoHR2EiTkk/s320/IMG_4444.JPG" /></a><p>Listening to a presentation <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4hDmac5M0k/UVl-kCWWloI/AAAAAAAAJxM/gPrw3gBmU-I/s1600/IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4hDmac5M0k/UVl-kCWWloI/AAAAAAAAJxM/gPrw3gBmU-I/s320/IMG_4506.JPG" /></a><p>Learning guitar <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPqEoclEXE/UVl-kSNa0aI/AAAAAAAAJxU/wUOh7Xck1DM/s1600/IMG_4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPqEoclEXE/UVl-kSNa0aI/AAAAAAAAJxU/wUOh7Xck1DM/s320/IMG_4543.JPG" /></a><p>Awa presentation <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5x36qBLlO4/UVl9v6TjaeI/AAAAAAAAJv8/tjDTzlXMdI4/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5x36qBLlO4/UVl9v6TjaeI/AAAAAAAAJv8/tjDTzlXMdI4/s320/IMG_3854.JPG" /></a><p>Challenge course activity: counting to 20 without repeats or interuption <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjUGvNmOjHM/UVl-pTUOpDI/AAAAAAAAJxc/bn28UfcjLUA/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjUGvNmOjHM/UVl-pTUOpDI/AAAAAAAAJxc/bn28UfcjLUA/s320/IMG_4699.JPG" /></a><p>Group painting activity <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gWgHfQdfoE/UVl-sIkDiBI/AAAAAAAAJxk/9j57MzXNW50/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gWgHfQdfoE/UVl-sIkDiBI/AAAAAAAAJxk/9j57MzXNW50/s320/IMG_4762.JPG" /></a><p>Certificate presentation <p> </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-15421150132968942112013-04-01T04:39:00.000-07:002013-04-01T04:39:53.780-07:00New Roof!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Roofs here are grass. Therefore, there is a particular time of the year to reroof. You must wait for a particular grass to be ready, collect it, and then rethatch. Last year my roof was leaky during rainy season so I needed to fix that this dry season. Enjoy the pictures of the process! They all thought it was so silly I was so interested in how it worked, although, it is much different in the States! It’s something I’d never seen before! <center><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9osCZbzbRIk/UVlxMQmNCyI/AAAAAAAAJr0/soAMOajPtJs/s1600/IMGP4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9osCZbzbRIk/UVlxMQmNCyI/AAAAAAAAJr0/soAMOajPtJs/s320/IMGP4265.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJT47CWlb_s/UVlxMyeA7EI/AAAAAAAAJr8/dBc6vXoJQcE/s1600/IMGP4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJT47CWlb_s/UVlxMyeA7EI/AAAAAAAAJr8/dBc6vXoJQcE/s320/IMGP4266.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7Cs3dPYLIk/UVlxSUxe7DI/AAAAAAAAJsE/bMaFIAtqIZU/s1600/IMGP4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7Cs3dPYLIk/UVlxSUxe7DI/AAAAAAAAJsE/bMaFIAtqIZU/s320/IMGP4269.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuwOzbU3Bg/UVlxYotkfiI/AAAAAAAAJsM/L0IHdkBKMTk/s1600/IMGP4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuwOzbU3Bg/UVlxYotkfiI/AAAAAAAAJsM/L0IHdkBKMTk/s320/IMGP4305.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6y7DqTGjr8/UVlxZJYEiQI/AAAAAAAAJsU/yDhok6uPRAo/s1600/IMGP4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6y7DqTGjr8/UVlxZJYEiQI/AAAAAAAAJsU/yDhok6uPRAo/s320/IMGP4295.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28YF3T981x4/UVlxnNGKwPI/AAAAAAAAJsc/gashCQ-nfpU/s1600/IMGP4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28YF3T981x4/UVlxnNGKwPI/AAAAAAAAJsc/gashCQ-nfpU/s320/IMGP4306.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-rVE1QWgnw/UVlxnTytiUI/AAAAAAAAJsg/VGnOBxHu-eI/s1600/IMGP4371.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-rVE1QWgnw/UVlxnTytiUI/AAAAAAAAJsg/VGnOBxHu-eI/s320/IMGP4371.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYNPRbgTp3A/UVlxtzjXU0I/AAAAAAAAJss/m2sATHMLq6Y/s1600/IMGP4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYNPRbgTp3A/UVlxtzjXU0I/AAAAAAAAJss/m2sATHMLq6Y/s320/IMGP4368.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OeJF1i7AV3c/UVlxwPg3F1I/AAAAAAAAJs0/CyNxc-evxSE/s1600/IMGP4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OeJF1i7AV3c/UVlxwPg3F1I/AAAAAAAAJs0/CyNxc-evxSE/s320/IMGP4372.JPG" /></a></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-91805524122733195852013-04-01T04:33:00.002-07:002013-04-01T04:33:50.009-07:00Dry season gardening<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>My women’s group is amazing. They always come to meetings I hold, and actually take action! I have been encouraging gardening since I arrived, and this year I have seen drastic improvements. The shared women’s garden is not only functioning, but the majority of women have also created personal home gardens. Although there is still limited diversity in what they grow, they are using it for meals and selling surplus at the market. Here are some photos of their hard work. <p><center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCuCWeXgPs/UVlU8Y9IhqI/AAAAAAAAJfc/ZGKJKU1pfcw/s1600/IMGP3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCuCWeXgPs/UVlU8Y9IhqI/AAAAAAAAJfc/ZGKJKU1pfcw/s320/IMGP3548.JPG" /></a><p>Well at the women's garden <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jjQxbNacec/UVlU_EPBZXI/AAAAAAAAJfs/IQmPRmfKK14/s1600/IMGP3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jjQxbNacec/UVlU_EPBZXI/AAAAAAAAJfs/IQmPRmfKK14/s320/IMGP3545.JPG" /></a><p>Watering <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp3nOlrzEeU/UVlVOj7ktZI/AAAAAAAAJf0/LuMtdPTehV8/s1600/IMGP3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp3nOlrzEeU/UVlVOj7ktZI/AAAAAAAAJf0/LuMtdPTehV8/s320/IMGP3549.JPG" /></a><p>Trenched mangos! Hoping to graft them this year. <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGsAA9iYTfQ/UVlVR6H0EKI/AAAAAAAAJf8/jfhYPX1fYD4/s1600/IMGP3593.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGsAA9iYTfQ/UVlVR6H0EKI/AAAAAAAAJf8/jfhYPX1fYD4/s320/IMGP3593.JPG" /></a><p>Women's group meeting to collect seed and tree sack orders <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKzq8XEt7-s/UVlVVxagLrI/AAAAAAAAJgE/4OWoeuBs1-E/s1600/IMGP3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKzq8XEt7-s/UVlVVxagLrI/AAAAAAAAJgE/4OWoeuBs1-E/s320/IMGP3553.JPG" /></a><p>Filling up buckets at the hand pump to water the gardens <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daxFDK1lCxA/UVlVdW2DjoI/AAAAAAAAJgM/jLiKLLJpPUk/s1600/IMGP4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-daxFDK1lCxA/UVlVdW2DjoI/AAAAAAAAJgM/jLiKLLJpPUk/s320/IMGP4072.JPG" /></a><p>Home garden <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYkthzb9kP8/UVlViPVgQMI/AAAAAAAAJgU/kNEhpwftzZE/s1600/IMGP4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYkthzb9kP8/UVlViPVgQMI/AAAAAAAAJgU/kNEhpwftzZE/s320/IMGP4092.JPG" /></a><p>Women's group president's home garden <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHMX_fQjHO0/UVlVmeKGD7I/AAAAAAAAJgc/hWORvmA0fks/s1600/IMGP4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHMX_fQjHO0/UVlVmeKGD7I/AAAAAAAAJgc/hWORvmA0fks/s320/IMGP4090.JPG" /></a><p>Personal garden near the women's group garden <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dhuVNwpCgQ/UVlVzmOBB1I/AAAAAAAAJgs/cAv_YKo6tbY/s1600/IMGP4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dhuVNwpCgQ/UVlVzmOBB1I/AAAAAAAAJgs/cAv_YKo6tbY/s320/IMGP4152.JPG" /></a><p>Another home garden <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcOLh85nUEs/UVlV0uu_AfI/AAAAAAAAJg0/sZtqdwp-8is/s1600/IMGP4145.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcOLh85nUEs/UVlV0uu_AfI/AAAAAAAAJg0/sZtqdwp-8is/s320/IMGP4145.JPG" /></a><p>Group garden <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjnefMMU7Z4/UVlV6oiHVnI/AAAAAAAAJg8/NvDznEsDr6o/s1600/IMGP4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjnefMMU7Z4/UVlV6oiHVnI/AAAAAAAAJg8/NvDznEsDr6o/s320/IMGP4154.JPG" /></a><p>Kids helping get water to water <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q1L4vhDWI0/UVlWFtTcGjI/AAAAAAAAJhE/b0gsch-5J50/s1600/IMGP4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q1L4vhDWI0/UVlWFtTcGjI/AAAAAAAAJhE/b0gsch-5J50/s320/IMGP4178.JPG" /></a><p>Personal garden <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpyv13bNY88/UVlWFgcbe5I/AAAAAAAAJhI/lPpua_edyx0/s1600/IMGP4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpyv13bNY88/UVlWFgcbe5I/AAAAAAAAJhI/lPpua_edyx0/s320/IMGP4174.JPG" /></a><p>Onions <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdt6G2TQxqA/UVlWIcbitNI/AAAAAAAAJhU/oe0-lgFZZGw/s1600/IMGP4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdt6G2TQxqA/UVlWIcbitNI/AAAAAAAAJhU/oe0-lgFZZGw/s320/IMGP4185.JPG" /></a><p>Onions <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09LxlcqLmCs/UVlYRk7ZwKI/AAAAAAAAJhk/_4MWVZk5CRc/s1600/IMGP4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09LxlcqLmCs/UVlYRk7ZwKI/AAAAAAAAJhk/_4MWVZk5CRc/s320/IMGP4180.JPG" /></a><p>Tomatoes with support! <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap0BDfM6IEU/UVlYS8BWotI/AAAAAAAAJhs/YAvTPCNBsoc/s1600/IMGP4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap0BDfM6IEU/UVlYS8BWotI/AAAAAAAAJhs/YAvTPCNBsoc/s320/IMGP4187.JPG" /></a><p>Eggplant <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Yc2BJbVhGo/UVlYwZdMpKI/AAAAAAAAJh8/TAq0VIhFg-c/s1600/IMGP2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Yc2BJbVhGo/UVlYwZdMpKI/AAAAAAAAJh8/TAq0VIhFg-c/s320/IMGP2859.JPG" /></a><p>Bitter eggplant </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-38631265131143306772013-04-01T04:33:00.001-07:002013-04-01T04:33:21.286-07:00House boat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>A few of the men in the region decided to get a boat commissioned. I am now a partial owner. We would like to take a longer trip up or down the river, although as of now, we just take it out on the Gambia River to escape to heat of hot season! <p><center><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dOldbSZhvI/UVlvoBNwHVI/AAAAAAAAJrU/0ST70ruovRk/s1600/IMGP3986.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dOldbSZhvI/UVlvoBNwHVI/AAAAAAAAJrU/0ST70ruovRk/s320/IMGP3986.JPG" /></a><p>Rob's host dad, Weliba, Rob & Ian <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdQQNUBMVQ8/UVlvtZj7rJI/AAAAAAAAJrc/TMHFYDp1HLQ/s1600/IMGP3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdQQNUBMVQ8/UVlvtZj7rJI/AAAAAAAAJrc/TMHFYDp1HLQ/s320/IMGP3987.JPG" /></a><p>Getting the boat down to the water on a donkey cart <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyJqqe4VJMM/UVlvndpFE8I/AAAAAAAAJrM/WEx1nC1jbk8/s1600/IMGP4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyJqqe4VJMM/UVlvndpFE8I/AAAAAAAAJrM/WEx1nC1jbk8/s320/IMGP4010.JPG" /></a><p>BOAT <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHDv46ZcNOI/UVlvuQIuYEI/AAAAAAAAJrk/8W8Pe83alds/s1600/IMGP4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHDv46ZcNOI/UVlvuQIuYEI/AAAAAAAAJrk/8W8Pe83alds/s320/IMGP4059.JPG" /></a><p>Sunset <p></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-39295352493929328822013-04-01T04:28:00.000-07:002013-04-01T04:28:10.902-07:00Kedougou Training of Trainers for Tree Nurseries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Working with <a href="http://www.treesforthefuture.org/projects/senegal/">Trees for the Future</a> and <a href="http://foodsecurity.ngoaidmap.org/projects/1911">Yaajeende</a>, we had 60 Senegalese from different villages come into Kedougou for a two day training on how to make proper tree nurseries. Ideally, these people will go back to their villages and hold meetings teaching people in their areas how to do them as well. It is a great way to start the AgroForestry work season! <center><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jdSFJBqF5g/UVlnMqs-BOI/AAAAAAAAJn4/baBcthca5Wc/s1600/IMGP3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jdSFJBqF5g/UVlnMqs-BOI/AAAAAAAAJn4/baBcthca5Wc/s320/IMGP3571.JPG" /></a><p>Initial meeting in Salemata to invite people from the area <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-br5lHLTTuzA/UVlk54a-0_I/AAAAAAAAJnE/DlYSCq6Aw_c/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-br5lHLTTuzA/UVlk54a-0_I/AAAAAAAAJnE/DlYSCq6Aw_c/s320/IMG_3408.JPG" /></a><p>Training <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WlycTEzshAA/UVllE6M5kjI/AAAAAAAAJnU/nkyspVeJIPI/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WlycTEzshAA/UVllE6M5kjI/AAAAAAAAJnU/nkyspVeJIPI/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" /></a><p>Filling tree sacks <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTDoCwM5Qs4/UVllR5SoeGI/AAAAAAAAJns/QkU93rqDylA/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTDoCwM5Qs4/UVllR5SoeGI/AAAAAAAAJns/QkU93rqDylA/s320/IMG_3492.JPG" /></a><p>Lining up the nursery well! <p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2FPnn9I2OA/UVlk4_LHoWI/AAAAAAAAJm0/FsCWOgEW4So/s1600/IMGP4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2FPnn9I2OA/UVlk4_LHoWI/AAAAAAAAJm0/FsCWOgEW4So/s320/IMGP4249.JPG" /></a><p>Myself and Antoine Bindia <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGGhlLRDA1I/UVlk5CtuDsI/AAAAAAAAJm4/bC8mgKidYeU/s1600/IMGP4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGGhlLRDA1I/UVlk5CtuDsI/AAAAAAAAJm4/bC8mgKidYeU/s320/IMGP4247.JPG" /></a><p>Myself and Telli Toure, women's group president in Nangar <p></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-34746458601965281492013-04-01T04:27:00.000-07:002013-04-01T04:27:39.002-07:0025th Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>My 25th birthday fell right after WAIST this year and Ashleigh and I decided to celebrate by going to Mbour and Warang. I hadn’t been there before and wanted to taste the specialty liqueur that the Belgiums make. It was a really relaxing couple of days with delicious food! Plus, it's a big birthday, quarter of a century! CRAZY. <center><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LlsWYhJgzI/UVltVdlTUZI/AAAAAAAAJqc/M1XJyl1MZSk/s1600/IMG_3188.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LlsWYhJgzI/UVltVdlTUZI/AAAAAAAAJqc/M1XJyl1MZSk/s320/IMG_3188.JPG" /></a><p>Blue Africa campement <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVyvFI8yZbk/UVltWc0az2I/AAAAAAAAJqk/AlUDzhv3-5U/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVyvFI8yZbk/UVltWc0az2I/AAAAAAAAJqk/AlUDzhv3-5U/s320/IMG_3208.JPG" /></a><p>Making friends on the beach <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZGV0Kpo7A4/UVltmKzviOI/AAAAAAAAJq8/kjVbwL75naE/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZGV0Kpo7A4/UVltmKzviOI/AAAAAAAAJq8/kjVbwL75naE/s320/IMG_3256.JPG" /></a><p>Warang <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_-cYC2UAmY/UVltf559jsI/AAAAAAAAJqs/bRy2QzNtIc0/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_-cYC2UAmY/UVltf559jsI/AAAAAAAAJqs/bRy2QzNtIc0/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" /></a><p>Ashleigh in front of Warang <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIc_7c5vfBQ/UVltlcfU3AI/AAAAAAAAJq0/IAeJkLAZQcw/s1600/IMG_3266.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIc_7c5vfBQ/UVltlcfU3AI/AAAAAAAAJq0/IAeJkLAZQcw/s320/IMG_3266.JPG" /></a><p>Tasting area <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lViPzXTo7Eo/UVltqDoHUhI/AAAAAAAAJrE/TlVd1mLc1PE/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lViPzXTo7Eo/UVltqDoHUhI/AAAAAAAAJrE/TlVd1mLc1PE/s320/IMG_3268.JPG" /></a><p>Garden/pond <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPV-XHfxOUg/UVltUIvJwOI/AAAAAAAAJqU/FrhSidqVtN4/s1600/IMGP3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPV-XHfxOUg/UVltUIvJwOI/AAAAAAAAJqU/FrhSidqVtN4/s320/IMGP3969.JPG" /></a><p>Happy Birthday to me! </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-15247925842497739062013-04-01T04:17:00.000-07:002013-04-01T04:17:23.762-07:00WAIST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>My second West African Invitational Softball Tournament was great! While we were on vacation in Guinea, Whitney and I convinced a bunch of Guinean volunteer to come up, and they had a full team! Our region decided to have the theme of “geriatrics,” and all dressed as old people. Although we didn’t win any of our games, it was a great opportunity to see volunteers and socialize. My homestay from last year, although they were out of town, were kind to let Ash and I stay there again. We went bowling, had a talent show, and went to the beach. It was a great time. <center><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiRZ38S3ES0/UVlqeg-AqaI/AAAAAAAAJpA/dlRIiA3fM1k/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiRZ38S3ES0/UVlqeg-AqaI/AAAAAAAAJpA/dlRIiA3fM1k/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" /></a><p>Headed out dancing <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bNdXI6EXxw/UVlq8-1r33I/AAAAAAAAJqA/sVvZX_u2lTs/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bNdXI6EXxw/UVlq8-1r33I/AAAAAAAAJqA/sVvZX_u2lTs/s320/IMG_3173.JPG" /></a><p>View from the roof <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyEIKO048ck/UVlqLZkG44I/AAAAAAAAJoI/z8pArpUF1XA/s1600/IMGP3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyEIKO048ck/UVlqLZkG44I/AAAAAAAAJoI/z8pArpUF1XA/s320/IMGP3938.JPG" /></a><p>Ashleigh hanging out on the roof <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--X74cFkAZnE/UVlqLs6ezKI/AAAAAAAAJoU/v6-QaXjB4xs/s1600/IMGP3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--X74cFkAZnE/UVlqLs6ezKI/AAAAAAAAJoU/v6-QaXjB4xs/s320/IMGP3939.JPG" /></a><p>Hanging out on the roof <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwVwZfBMbow/UVlqMD6c51I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/3Jq4iPb_0PI/s1600/IMGP3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwVwZfBMbow/UVlqMD6c51I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/3Jq4iPb_0PI/s320/IMGP3961.JPG" /></a><p>Lighthouse <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKygWnUGVhs/UVlqa_h5OeI/AAAAAAAAJos/_v_7hAZxYfg/s1600/IMGP3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKygWnUGVhs/UVlqa_h5OeI/AAAAAAAAJos/_v_7hAZxYfg/s320/IMGP3962.JPG" /></a><p>Walk down to the beach <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZcw7Rf0dRY/UVlqXzxqZYI/AAAAAAAAJog/8d0SRN0W5k4/s1600/IMGP3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZcw7Rf0dRY/UVlqXzxqZYI/AAAAAAAAJog/8d0SRN0W5k4/s320/IMGP3965.JPG" /></a><p>Lighthouse beach <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8gisEqXZ3I/UVlqaeg_NBI/AAAAAAAAJoo/PSBbLH1l3V8/s1600/IMGP3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8gisEqXZ3I/UVlqaeg_NBI/AAAAAAAAJoo/PSBbLH1l3V8/s320/IMGP3966.JPG" /></a><p>Shade umbrella <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33SZQxbA3ag/UVlqcgh_41I/AAAAAAAAJo4/8OHo4vbY5rU/s1600/166699_10100477050064935_1105384664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33SZQxbA3ag/UVlqcgh_41I/AAAAAAAAJo4/8OHo4vbY5rU/s320/166699_10100477050064935_1105384664_n.jpg" /></a><p>Rob making calamari from scratch! <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rxahakmFsM/UVlqgIq2uTI/AAAAAAAAJpI/ihkhpgz4HMM/s1600/47062_10101416878057050_600766750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rxahakmFsM/UVlqgIq2uTI/AAAAAAAAJpI/ihkhpgz4HMM/s320/47062_10101416878057050_600766750_n.jpg" /></a><p>Kaolack, jungle theme <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3MePN_vEVA/UVlqigXcxPI/AAAAAAAAJpY/2tp0y2FznzA/s1600/482785_943754865654_1265161466_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3MePN_vEVA/UVlqigXcxPI/AAAAAAAAJpY/2tp0y2FznzA/s320/482785_943754865654_1265161466_n.jpg" /></a><p>Gou Crew! <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXS8c16fz0/UVlqiwEWmCI/AAAAAAAAJpc/B0iPQxiEBvQ/s1600/549362_10100439367785490_1974566881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDXS8c16fz0/UVlqiwEWmCI/AAAAAAAAJpc/B0iPQxiEBvQ/s320/549362_10100439367785490_1974566881_n.jpg" /></a><p>Guinea has the runs... <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWH8ZkS0KNE/UVlqzJUwp1I/AAAAAAAAJpo/G8kEKOr99kU/s1600/IMGP3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWH8ZkS0KNE/UVlqzJUwp1I/AAAAAAAAJpo/G8kEKOr99kU/s320/IMGP3942.JPG" /></a><p>Headed out to the bowling alley <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NpSwKvoRAY/UVlq0FMEFRI/AAAAAAAAJp0/7CjBDHQmTO0/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NpSwKvoRAY/UVlq0FMEFRI/AAAAAAAAJp0/7CjBDHQmTO0/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" /></a><p>Softballing <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8V7QfY0dPs/UVlq-Y5MCbI/AAAAAAAAJqI/1lRTLXUkbsw/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8V7QfY0dPs/UVlq-Y5MCbI/AAAAAAAAJqI/1lRTLXUkbsw/s320/IMG_3113.JPG" /></a><p>Dakar's "gods & goddesses" </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-65252388680874553232013-04-01T04:04:00.001-07:002013-04-01T04:04:11.443-07:00Cape Verde<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>In order to celebrate Carnival (mardi gras), we went to the former Portuguese colony of Cape Verde where there is a strong Carnival culture. I went with two girls from my region, Ashleigh & Katie, and another girl who came into country with me, Whitney (who I also recently traveled with to Guinea). We went for just a week, but were able to see beautiful beaches, eat delicious local food, hike a volcano (the highest peak in the island chain at 2,829m/9,382ft), and celebrate Carnival! It really felt like a (much needed) vacation! <center><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLbhX7R5yMA/UVlZT0lS12I/AAAAAAAAJiE/dPoL8ecttdc/s1600/Cape+Verde+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLbhX7R5yMA/UVlZT0lS12I/AAAAAAAAJiE/dPoL8ecttdc/s320/Cape+Verde+Map.jpg" /></a><p>Cape Verde Islads, and where I went. <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWlC-vpg8B0/UVlaCCdK2tI/AAAAAAAAJiM/LyGf5mh8IYU/s1600/DSCF6426.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWlC-vpg8B0/UVlaCCdK2tI/AAAAAAAAJiM/LyGf5mh8IYU/s320/DSCF6426.JPG" /></a><p>Fisherman in the capital, Praia <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoZpW4DQbCM/UVlaDSlikAI/AAAAAAAAJiU/dNoXBsU-tNU/s1600/DSCF6423.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoZpW4DQbCM/UVlaDSlikAI/AAAAAAAAJiU/dNoXBsU-tNU/s320/DSCF6423.JPG" /></a><p>Ashleigh & Katie, lunch on the water <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCcKJKYobl4/UVlbJvjoRFI/AAAAAAAAJk0/g_fATfyt3YU/s1600/IMGP3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCcKJKYobl4/UVlbJvjoRFI/AAAAAAAAJk0/g_fATfyt3YU/s320/IMGP3731.JPG" /></a><p>First night out! <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4CwUJjUEiI/UVlbDhTHsBI/AAAAAAAAJkc/rjhYAXJcnAE/s1600/IMGP3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4CwUJjUEiI/UVlbDhTHsBI/AAAAAAAAJkc/rjhYAXJcnAE/s320/IMGP3706.JPG" /></a><p>Delicious meal <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hutsb0tZrYY/UVlaEHSF49I/AAAAAAAAJiY/6ad01JEUggA/s1600/DSCF6418.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hutsb0tZrYY/UVlaEHSF49I/AAAAAAAAJiY/6ad01JEUggA/s320/DSCF6418.JPG" /></a><p>Booking our Fogo adventure with a travel agent that only took cash <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf9l4kBvUSI/UVlaN04ws0I/AAAAAAAAJik/TGne2lTHa6A/s1600/DSCF6444.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf9l4kBvUSI/UVlaN04ws0I/AAAAAAAAJik/TGne2lTHa6A/s320/DSCF6444.JPG" /></a><p>Praia <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss5p7IFj84k/UVlaPsQTb6I/AAAAAAAAJis/Spfv6faKBmU/s1600/DSCF6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss5p7IFj84k/UVlaPsQTb6I/AAAAAAAAJis/Spfv6faKBmU/s320/DSCF6488.JPG" /></a><p>Going out with our friend Faren <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4kg1GVEyxU/UVlbHrZccRI/AAAAAAAAJks/VPhtq6jXFqk/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4kg1GVEyxU/UVlbHrZccRI/AAAAAAAAJks/VPhtq6jXFqk/s320/IMG_2734.JPG" /></a><p>Buckets full of pigs <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHG3-8aUA1o/UVlafVUPWEI/AAAAAAAAJjE/mfH-LuJ5EBc/s1600/IMG_2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHG3-8aUA1o/UVlafVUPWEI/AAAAAAAAJjE/mfH-LuJ5EBc/s320/IMG_2754.JPG" /></a><p>Tarrafall <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUZQAps65ak/UVlc3HFHZ6I/AAAAAAAAJlA/j5SxpPABPVM/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUZQAps65ak/UVlc3HFHZ6I/AAAAAAAAJlA/j5SxpPABPVM/s320/IMG_2773.JPG" /></a><p>Beach <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhjr0T1lZBs/UVlanSIXdGI/AAAAAAAAJjc/pF93rmTWur4/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhjr0T1lZBs/UVlanSIXdGI/AAAAAAAAJjc/pF93rmTWur4/s320/IMG_2816.JPG" /></a><p>Town on our drive to Tarrafall <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwdO4QK9BH4/UVlafot5LlI/AAAAAAAAJjI/5QFL748G-kk/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwdO4QK9BH4/UVlafot5LlI/AAAAAAAAJjI/5QFL748G-kk/s320/IMG_2774.JPG" /></a><p>Hanging out by the water <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ_b7pt_wa8/UVla13lGm7I/AAAAAAAAJkA/nHNfOJChyKg/s1600/IMGP3850.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ_b7pt_wa8/UVla13lGm7I/AAAAAAAAJkA/nHNfOJChyKg/s320/IMGP3850.JPG" /></a><p>Sao Filipe <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVy-vbKDer4/UVlaoHl-i0I/AAAAAAAAJjk/0rCZnVq3SMo/s1600/IMGP3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVy-vbKDer4/UVlaoHl-i0I/AAAAAAAAJjk/0rCZnVq3SMo/s320/IMGP3797.JPG" /></a><p>Hiking Mt. Fogo <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTCl-UYMA_4/UVlar9okR5I/AAAAAAAAJjs/SeIRbX_b890/s1600/IMGP3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTCl-UYMA_4/UVlar9okR5I/AAAAAAAAJjs/SeIRbX_b890/s320/IMGP3807.JPG" /></a><p>Local wine made near the volcano. Locally known as Cha, and delicious! <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8DaL2MYM9I/UVla38tZo0I/AAAAAAAAJkM/hfncWyv-Mew/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8DaL2MYM9I/UVla38tZo0I/AAAAAAAAJkM/hfncWyv-Mew/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" /></a><p>The "end of the world" <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbtU5EPEo8o/UVlbFFJIM9I/AAAAAAAAJkk/cDFnbpD4WpA/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbtU5EPEo8o/UVlbFFJIM9I/AAAAAAAAJkk/cDFnbpD4WpA/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" /></a><p>Hiking down <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpdjtmHMt4/UVlbBkzfWFI/AAAAAAAAJkU/u73r0D1EyoY/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbpdjtmHMt4/UVlbBkzfWFI/AAAAAAAAJkU/u73r0D1EyoY/s320/IMG_3004.JPG" /></a><p>Children playing around <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UV4Su64fPi0/UVlayAWzNPI/AAAAAAAAJj0/FHSrhAkYECk/s1600/IMGP3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UV4Su64fPi0/UVlayAWzNPI/AAAAAAAAJj0/FHSrhAkYECk/s320/IMGP3826.JPG" /></a><p>Drive down from Mt. Fogo <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfcFx6yDCHE/UVla1P1HJ2I/AAAAAAAAJj8/Nub0w1-RWZM/s1600/IMGP3829.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfcFx6yDCHE/UVla1P1HJ2I/AAAAAAAAJj8/Nub0w1-RWZM/s320/IMGP3829.JPG" /></a><p>Post hike <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXnZxQR5fZc/UVlaSLiR2HI/AAAAAAAAJi0/gnPxOGoPr5o/s1600/IMGP3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXnZxQR5fZc/UVlaSLiR2HI/AAAAAAAAJi0/gnPxOGoPr5o/s320/IMGP3768.JPG" /></a><p>Another night out on the town <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scHk5ysfz3M/UVlaa8-Mv1I/AAAAAAAAJi8/P-OzL44PQm0/s1600/IMGP3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scHk5ysfz3M/UVlaa8-Mv1I/AAAAAAAAJi8/P-OzL44PQm0/s320/IMGP3884.JPG" /></a><p>Our costumes! <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hXA1S4a3C4/UVlafszhuVI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/ciOjDaJ5GQQ/s1600/IMGP3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hXA1S4a3C4/UVlafszhuVI/AAAAAAAAJjQ/ciOjDaJ5GQQ/s320/IMGP3886.JPG" /></a><p>Carnival parade <p></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-50789873363092793542013-04-01T04:04:00.000-07:002013-04-01T04:04:05.022-07:00Goree Island<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Goree Island is a short ferry ride off the coast of Dakar and was historically used to house slaves before being sent to the Americas. It is popular for tourists, and after being in country for over a year, I finally made my way out there since a couple peoples' parents were visiting. Currently, over 1,000 people live on the island and there is a school there. <p><center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpYXwDl88ns/UVlgTFAvxxI/AAAAAAAAJlc/aO3tUeFLIzE/s1600/IMGP3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpYXwDl88ns/UVlgTFAvxxI/AAAAAAAAJlc/aO3tUeFLIzE/s320/IMGP3612.JPG" /></a><p>Ferry ride over <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Iu1svi4ww8/UVlg9Ww65EI/AAAAAAAAJmk/9jicibfLsCw/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Iu1svi4ww8/UVlg9Ww65EI/AAAAAAAAJmk/9jicibfLsCw/s320/IMG_2707.JPG" /></a><p>Shores of Goree <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B-yfIOuDDo/UVlgVT8SrvI/AAAAAAAAJlk/lyDSN7jfKjs/s1600/IMGP3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0B-yfIOuDDo/UVlgVT8SrvI/AAAAAAAAJlk/lyDSN7jfKjs/s320/IMGP3625.JPG" /></a><p>Memorial Statue <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArenDC5va_A/UVlgQ0vH_7I/AAAAAAAAJlU/pJerfwA5pxE/s1600/IMGP3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArenDC5va_A/UVlgQ0vH_7I/AAAAAAAAJlU/pJerfwA5pxE/s320/IMGP3657.JPG" /></a><p>House of slaves museum <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIFvJ30GYbk/UVlga3NPIII/AAAAAAAAJls/-3T-yNXm1aI/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIFvJ30GYbk/UVlga3NPIII/AAAAAAAAJls/-3T-yNXm1aI/s320/IMG_2639.JPG" /></a><p>Door of no return <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asbEooTgN0U/UVlgdG8xINI/AAAAAAAAJl0/00wpG4MD8w0/s1600/IMGP3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asbEooTgN0U/UVlgdG8xINI/AAAAAAAAJl0/00wpG4MD8w0/s320/IMGP3682.JPG" /></a><p>Artwork sold on the streets <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R5ptYd6NI0/UVlgdAaPXjI/AAAAAAAAJl4/Sr8B-hdbXWI/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1R5ptYd6NI0/UVlgdAaPXjI/AAAAAAAAJl4/Sr8B-hdbXWI/s320/IMG_2633.JPG" /></a><p>Architecture of the island <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVUwH3s2jVc/UVlgkYpY2lI/AAAAAAAAJmE/zsLroaZ9ohE/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVUwH3s2jVc/UVlgkYpY2lI/AAAAAAAAJmE/zsLroaZ9ohE/s320/IMG_2679.JPG" /></a><p>Canon <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq39E-Ryxpg/UVlgmTmPUVI/AAAAAAAAJmM/R9bZATnmyIs/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq39E-Ryxpg/UVlgmTmPUVI/AAAAAAAAJmM/R9bZATnmyIs/s320/IMG_2668.JPG" /></a><p>Baobabs are found everywhere! <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2B9rzhiGHc/UVlgoECJCxI/AAAAAAAAJmU/n5Gii9Sj8wA/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2B9rzhiGHc/UVlgoECJCxI/AAAAAAAAJmU/n5Gii9Sj8wA/s320/IMG_2699.JPG" /></a><p>Lookout <p> </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-5384865801422826742013-04-01T02:29:00.000-07:002013-04-01T02:29:16.750-07:00Guinea, Christmas & New Years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>So for the holidays, Whitney, Will & I decided to go to Guinea, meet up with a few volunteers there and climb Mt. Nimba, a peak in southern Guinea bordering Ivory Coast and Liberia. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and the highest peak in the area at 1,790m (5,748ft). (more information <a href="http://www.eoearth.org/article/Mount_Nimba_Strict_Nature_Reserve%2C_Guinea_and_C%C3%B4te_d'Ivoire">here</a>). Our trip was initially going to be just under two weeks, but Whitney and I decided to stay longer to visit volunteers and were there for three weeks. The trip was great, although incredibly difficult at times, and I have many horror travel stories as a result (broken cars, sleeping on the sides of roads, unable to get money from banks, etc). I am glad I went, but can't say I am anxious to go back, although I wouldn't not go there in the future. The roads and cars are terrible, vehicles are constantly overpacked with people and goods, and banks are unreliable. Nevertheless, I saw some beautiful areas of West Africa! It was great to visit the area where the language I learned for Peace Corps Pula Fuuta, is a majority language across the country. Here is a quick photo summary of our journey. <center><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YruOPwHuJ9A/UVlJizzEkKI/AAAAAAAAJbE/QVugkBjapnM/s1600/Guinea+Route+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YruOPwHuJ9A/UVlJizzEkKI/AAAAAAAAJbE/QVugkBjapnM/s320/Guinea+Route+Map.jpg" /></a><p>Map of my route <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYKBHRnpaGQ/UVlMAPXp-DI/AAAAAAAAJbU/oXBfYSFlKeg/s1600/IMGP3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYKBHRnpaGQ/UVlMAPXp-DI/AAAAAAAAJbU/oXBfYSFlKeg/s320/IMGP3208.JPG" /></a><p>9 person station wagon (typical transport). Not including people who sit on top of the car, on top of luggage. <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WqlyyoxZMU/UVlMJdwfK3I/AAAAAAAAJbs/Hbf_Kv-Lmc0/s1600/IMGP3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WqlyyoxZMU/UVlMJdwfK3I/AAAAAAAAJbs/Hbf_Kv-Lmc0/s320/IMGP3218.JPG" /></a><p>Car in the river blocking the ferry. We slept in the car that night. <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6TiBkrD-WA/UVlMICBdrHI/AAAAAAAAJbk/WcYAcJNNraI/s1600/IMGP3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6TiBkrD-WA/UVlMICBdrHI/AAAAAAAAJbk/WcYAcJNNraI/s320/IMGP3238.JPG" /></a><p>Passing a town in the Fuuta <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IXB7N3dt0g/UVlMNXHUy1I/AAAAAAAAJb0/7OIYo5O0Btc/s1600/IMGP3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IXB7N3dt0g/UVlMNXHUy1I/AAAAAAAAJb0/7OIYo5O0Btc/s320/IMGP3244.JPG" /></a><p>Meeting up with volunteers in Mamou to meet up with more people in Nzerekoure <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83HAnqwOPyQ/UVlMTXwj6TI/AAAAAAAAJb8/TiRramjKxWU/s1600/IMGP3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83HAnqwOPyQ/UVlMTXwj6TI/AAAAAAAAJb8/TiRramjKxWU/s320/IMGP3276.JPG" /></a><p>We spent a lot of time in the car... <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-59OtTjTRI/UVlMYjNbpXI/AAAAAAAAJcU/-F2GKyg-IJk/s1600/IMGP3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-59OtTjTRI/UVlMYjNbpXI/AAAAAAAAJcU/-F2GKyg-IJk/s320/IMGP3279.JPG" /></a><p>Heading south <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK_dqmDG5oQ/UVlMUBlEtZI/AAAAAAAAJcE/-HcaCSYpvh4/s1600/IMGP3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK_dqmDG5oQ/UVlMUBlEtZI/AAAAAAAAJcE/-HcaCSYpvh4/s320/IMGP3483.JPG" /></a><p>Broken car. They typically fixed it with just water and a wrench. How? Don't ask questions. <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPZUG4TxFbA/UVlMbOF_Y1I/AAAAAAAAJcc/qMJbq8I-60g/s1600/GEDC0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPZUG4TxFbA/UVlMbOF_Y1I/AAAAAAAAJcc/qMJbq8I-60g/s320/GEDC0508.JPG" /></a><p>Merry Christmas! We had a fancy chicken dinner and lots of palm wine. <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1u7XWOrf94/UVlMU7k0INI/AAAAAAAAJcM/thUqlFL9irk/s1600/GEDC0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1u7XWOrf94/UVlMU7k0INI/AAAAAAAAJcM/thUqlFL9irk/s320/GEDC0558.JPG" /></a><p>Group to hike! <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enbfwxUGeRU/UVlMcwm3HnI/AAAAAAAAJck/8beZrMeh-WI/s1600/IMGP3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-enbfwxUGeRU/UVlMcwm3HnI/AAAAAAAAJck/8beZrMeh-WI/s320/IMGP3314.JPG" /></a><p>Whitney, myself, and Will. <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQiJEJZCWs0/UVlMfQQQcAI/AAAAAAAAJcs/Kp2dE_RuqKg/s1600/IMGP3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQiJEJZCWs0/UVlMfQQQcAI/AAAAAAAAJcs/Kp2dE_RuqKg/s320/IMGP3316.JPG" /></a><p>I hiked the mountain in my trusty Chaco flip flops <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgVBchYrUJU/UVlM_JVmTTI/AAAAAAAAJdk/PfUDvfUWwaA/s1600/IMGP3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgVBchYrUJU/UVlM_JVmTTI/AAAAAAAAJdk/PfUDvfUWwaA/s320/IMGP3307.JPG" /></a><p>View from the hike <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpcIdWlvfWY/UVlMjPTsY9I/AAAAAAAAJc0/JNJAxFm-hu8/s1600/408769_4046627975122_1217206297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpcIdWlvfWY/UVlMjPTsY9I/AAAAAAAAJc0/JNJAxFm-hu8/s320/408769_4046627975122_1217206297_n.jpg" /></a><p>Beautiful vine bridge in the forest region <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-deY3aR2RtWc/UVlMlfh1cYI/AAAAAAAAJc8/O-Jd0K2NH8s/s1600/IMGP3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-deY3aR2RtWc/UVlMlfh1cYI/AAAAAAAAJc8/O-Jd0K2NH8s/s320/IMGP3322.JPG" /></a><p>Natural bridge <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKkb86fhmI/UVlMprIm_LI/AAAAAAAAJdE/U9MsGBfTHxs/s1600/GEDC0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnKkb86fhmI/UVlMprIm_LI/AAAAAAAAJdE/U9MsGBfTHxs/s320/GEDC0871.JPG" /></a><p>New Years pool party <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2Hrn7bQ28/UVlMp0d5pKI/AAAAAAAAJdI/aD414dLPl7E/s1600/GEDC0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr2Hrn7bQ28/UVlMp0d5pKI/AAAAAAAAJdI/aD414dLPl7E/s320/GEDC0854.JPG" /></a><p>Soccer <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeLO7-6xmeo/UVlMwuDtKKI/AAAAAAAAJdU/x0J8kM7RrI8/s1600/IMGP3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GeLO7-6xmeo/UVlMwuDtKKI/AAAAAAAAJdU/x0J8kM7RrI8/s320/IMGP3408.JPG" /></a><p>New Years outfits! <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfqr8WnUXBw/UVlMw3iTlXI/AAAAAAAAJdc/tLX0e0vw4pg/s1600/IMGP3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfqr8WnUXBw/UVlMw3iTlXI/AAAAAAAAJdc/tLX0e0vw4pg/s320/IMGP3386.JPG" /></a><p>SO MUCH MONEY. Or at least it looks like it. People go to the bank with backpacks for withdrawals. Ohhhh inflation... <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Avu7Wh_9T1Y/UVlNNsNbFvI/AAAAAAAAJd0/_Heh8V-rFbQ/s1600/GEDC0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Avu7Wh_9T1Y/UVlNNsNbFvI/AAAAAAAAJd0/_Heh8V-rFbQ/s320/GEDC0890.JPG" /></a><p>Diankana <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQWXJC6OYVo/UVlNMzYhdeI/AAAAAAAAJds/qIJYhBOvSzo/s1600/GEDC0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQWXJC6OYVo/UVlNMzYhdeI/AAAAAAAAJds/qIJYhBOvSzo/s320/GEDC0916.JPG" /></a><p>Sunset in the Haut region <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYifajx8ooU/UVlNSItXHTI/AAAAAAAAJd8/vrF3SzR0Ph4/s1600/IMGP3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYifajx8ooU/UVlNSItXHTI/AAAAAAAAJd8/vrF3SzR0Ph4/s320/IMGP3427.JPG" /></a><p>KanKan market area <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWmuhxXvz98/UVlNWKkk9iI/AAAAAAAAJeE/_sGxyoNkfOI/s1600/IMGP3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWmuhxXvz98/UVlNWKkk9iI/AAAAAAAAJeE/_sGxyoNkfOI/s320/IMGP3447.JPG" /></a><p> <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38G3I8Gb71g/UVlNXq58WfI/AAAAAAAAJeM/ov4NjhSJ3qs/s1600/IMGP3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38G3I8Gb71g/UVlNXq58WfI/AAAAAAAAJeM/ov4NjhSJ3qs/s320/IMGP3448.JPG" /></a><p>Random woman's house we waited at as a break from the garage waiting for a car to fill up. <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNzj8tmv0tQ/UVlNiVRUulI/AAAAAAAAJeY/Q1krt2Ou_Gg/s1600/107_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNzj8tmv0tQ/UVlNiVRUulI/AAAAAAAAJeY/Q1krt2Ou_Gg/s320/107_0101.JPG" /></a><p>Little bouldering <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tse9nek828k/UVlNkMkW1mI/AAAAAAAAJek/xm382dclTE8/s1600/107_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tse9nek828k/UVlNkMkW1mI/AAAAAAAAJek/xm382dclTE8/s320/107_0143.JPG" /></a><p> <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nx5O-j66HM/UVlNscdGomI/AAAAAAAAJes/5B72K0Zm9ow/s1600/107_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nx5O-j66HM/UVlNscdGomI/AAAAAAAAJes/5B72K0Zm9ow/s320/107_0149.JPG" /></a><p>Hiking in Doucki <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylwq4izFdT8/UVlNuiqyTMI/AAAAAAAAJe8/24G_UBPK97I/s1600/IMGP3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylwq4izFdT8/UVlNuiqyTMI/AAAAAAAAJe8/24G_UBPK97I/s320/IMGP3472.JPG" /></a><p>Lodging in Doucki <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAs6f82aI00/UVlN_fr3MmI/AAAAAAAAJfM/WFfg5TzOJHg/s1600/107_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAs6f82aI00/UVlN_fr3MmI/AAAAAAAAJfM/WFfg5TzOJHg/s320/107_0136.JPG" /></a><p>Waterfall in Doucki <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKFXapjyQg8/UVlMFl9C13I/AAAAAAAAJbc/zv10tdqoREY/s1600/IMGP3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKFXapjyQg8/UVlMFl9C13I/AAAAAAAAJbc/zv10tdqoREY/s320/IMGP3226.JPG" /></a><p>Fuuta Jallon scenery on the way back to Senegal. <p></center>So that's that! Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-43375493051474277072013-04-01T01:44:00.000-07:002013-04-01T01:44:27.432-07:00Kevoye Latrine Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>In December I was able to apply and get money for a grant from the Water Charity for a latrine project in Kevoye, 17km from my village. This was relatively easy since I had already done a similiar project in my village. However, there was, yet again, transportation issues which were eventually sortrd out. My work partner Sara, a well digger and mason, took a local leadership role and held meetings to determine who would receive latrines. Here is <center><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9H_UUlu-e7M/UVlHQpF9e6I/AAAAAAAAJa0/DGJoK3-a_Z0/s1600/IMGP3591.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9H_UUlu-e7M/UVlHQpF9e6I/AAAAAAAAJa0/DGJoK3-a_Z0/s320/IMGP3591.JPG" /></a><p>Bike route to Kevoye <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM7Glq-jkMw/UVlHN6T1JBI/AAAAAAAAJas/JHGd0SIMKJc/s1600/IMGP3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM7Glq-jkMw/UVlHN6T1JBI/AAAAAAAAJas/JHGd0SIMKJc/s320/IMGP3587.JPG" /></a><p>River to cross to get to the village <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usIUzlPuNkc/UVlG9twfwUI/AAAAAAAAJaU/lHl6-c2X-TE/s1600/IMGP3580.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usIUzlPuNkc/UVlG9twfwUI/AAAAAAAAJaU/lHl6-c2X-TE/s320/IMGP3580.JPG" /></a><p>Kevoye <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMn1wzd5jXM/UVlHEelZ4GI/AAAAAAAAJac/kKPjILwRR7c/s1600/IMGP3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMn1wzd5jXM/UVlHEelZ4GI/AAAAAAAAJac/kKPjILwRR7c/s320/IMGP3583.JPG" /></a><p>Latrine Hole (1m by 1m) <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHEHGkcvV74/UVlHFJJHtPI/AAAAAAAAJak/uJZMqkqFqGQ/s1600/IMGP3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHEHGkcvV74/UVlHFJJHtPI/AAAAAAAAJak/uJZMqkqFqGQ/s320/IMGP3577.JPG" /></a><p>Mason and a finished latrine </center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-11507375698693665482013-04-01T01:15:00.000-07:002013-04-01T01:15:39.038-07:00Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>So there has been a drastic delay in writing blog posts, although I wanted to backtrack and write a little about my past few months. <p>Thanksgiving was wonderful! Our main dish was chicken, although we also had assorted sides, salads, pies, rolls & deserts! Ashleigh and I took the time to decorate the porch which made things really festive! We also made delicious caramel apple cider. Not exactly politically correct, although our theme was Pilgrims & Indians. We had a few visitors although it was primarily Kedougou volunteers as well as our guards and maids! It certainly wasn't like Thanksgiving in America, although it was closest to family as Senegal as you can get. <p><center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SCmqpGRHUY/UVlAd5bZtjI/AAAAAAAAJZk/4jHl2HbBb3s/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SCmqpGRHUY/UVlAd5bZtjI/AAAAAAAAJZk/4jHl2HbBb3s/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" /></a><p>Decorations! <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh1kB8DT11w/UVlAfaVbIgI/AAAAAAAAJZs/mlaaUHZ-l-Q/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh1kB8DT11w/UVlAfaVbIgI/AAAAAAAAJZs/mlaaUHZ-l-Q/s320/IMG_1902.JPG" /></a><p>House band + guest (Mike from Dakar) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3FJy5xiAP4/UVlAi9M2kjI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/0Tv4vBi0dV0/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3FJy5xiAP4/UVlAi9M2kjI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/0Tv4vBi0dV0/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" /></a><p>Meal time <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yyMVsIUhGI/UVlAkl8pCRI/AAAAAAAAJZ8/WLEB6vAAGKk/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yyMVsIUhGI/UVlAkl8pCRI/AAAAAAAAJZ8/WLEB6vAAGKk/s320/IMG_1955.JPG" /></a><p>Our food for the day! <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txOKopwXbdc/UVlA6WSmdmI/AAAAAAAAJaE/63Lyz-MnEio/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txOKopwXbdc/UVlA6WSmdmI/AAAAAAAAJaE/63Lyz-MnEio/s320/IMG_1895.JPG" /></a><p>Themed photo with Anne, Ashleigh & Frank <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEMXZLATDuw/UVlAWgAilMI/AAAAAAAAJZc/9hNaD4Tf5K8/s1600/248835_697390352154_1579955521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HEMXZLATDuw/UVlAWgAilMI/AAAAAAAAJZc/9hNaD4Tf5K8/s320/248835_697390352154_1579955521_n.jpg" /></a><p><center>Group Photo <p></center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-65068523001969634002012-11-18T04:40:00.001-08:002012-11-18T04:40:41.468-08:00Awa Tourney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Awa Traore is a Senegalese women employed by Peace Corps as a cross cultural facilitator. She is very invested in gender and development, herself coming from a village background in southern Senegal, and succeeded in completing university. In addition to setting up our homestays during pre service training and arranging our cultural orientations, she is very helpful to <a href="http://senegad.wordpress.com/">SeneGAD</a>, our gender and development initiative whose goals are to: educate and provide resources to volunteers on how to incorporate gender and development into their work; implement programs that motivate, educate, and inspire Senegalese women and girls to reach their full potential; and to encourage sustainable change in gender perspectives through collaboration with local communities. <p>She is available to go to people's villages to hold workshops or speak to communities about a variety of topics including: girls education, early marriage, female genital mutilation, family planning, among other topics. Marielle, arranged for a regional tourney in the Kedougou region. Typically school starts in the beginning of November, although the teachers in my village had not arrived. In our local language of pula fuuta, Awa spoke to the children about the importance of studying, asked them what they wanted to be (often police officers, doctors, teachers, or health post workers), and then directed questions towards parents if they knew this information that their children just shared. A common problem in my community was lack of school supplies, and she stressed how it is not the children's responsibility to get these things, it is the parents. If they chose to have more children, this includes providing for them, not only with livelihood necessities, but as well as educational opportunities. Since school hadn't started the children promised to take out their books from last year, and review material they had learned. They also confirmed that they would study in the afternoons before the sun goes down rather than studying by flashlight, or not at all. It was a really great talk that lasted about two hours (it takes longer to drive out to my village). I think it went really well and am so happy that we were able to arrange this to happen! <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZpbF82Iesk/UKjWsi98EdI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/NAmADsZyYBU/s1600/IMGP3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZpbF82Iesk/UKjWsi98EdI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/NAmADsZyYBU/s320/IMGP3034.JPG" /></a></div> <p><center>Our meeting at the women's group presidents house under a mango tree</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEF2384s4k/UKjVYo2euoI/AAAAAAAAJYE/t-7oVmtoBKY/s1600/IMGP3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEF2384s4k/UKjVYo2euoI/AAAAAAAAJYE/t-7oVmtoBKY/s320/IMGP3041.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Children attentively listening</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-23889376216429590892012-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:002012-10-31T10:22:05.161-07:00Making Shae<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Shae trees are really prevalent where I live (more commonly known as a high quality skin moisturizer when processed, e.g. shae butter). Fortunately, villagers are good at processing the seeds to extract oil (for cooking or skin application once it cools). It is done mostly on a larger scale by women's group for sale, although sometimes people will do it individually. My host aunt, Halimatou Binta Ba, decided to do the latter. It was a really cool process to watch! She sent her seeds she collected to Salemata (5km away) where they have a grinder, and then did the following steps when she got them back: <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKAPGPw5Gu0/UJFSeZW24iI/AAAAAAAAJWY/s9gje04Ol5g/s1600/IMGP2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKAPGPw5Gu0/UJFSeZW24iI/AAAAAAAAJWY/s9gje04Ol5g/s320/IMGP2908.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Clean </center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_KHysCbxs/UJFUJLd17lI/AAAAAAAAJWk/jB5cnSFYikU/s1600/IMGP2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8_KHysCbxs/UJFUJLd17lI/AAAAAAAAJWk/jB5cnSFYikU/s320/IMGP2912.JPG" /></a></div><center>Sort to boil down</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zhozXWyhcI/UJFYaulSXSI/AAAAAAAAJXE/_MqfZ83sKfM/s1600/IMGP2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zhozXWyhcI/UJFYaulSXSI/AAAAAAAAJXE/_MqfZ83sKfM/s320/IMGP2913.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Filter</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-12486100009094932022012-10-31T09:20:00.000-07:002012-10-31T09:20:20.564-07:00Soocer/Football<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>So soccer is really big in Senegal. So big that a soccer match on television involving Senegal will make a television appear in my village and run off a generator that at least 50 people come to watch. Unfortunately, so big, that violence ensued at a game in Dakar for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match last month. Nevertheless, my village has a soccer team and it is soccer season! In the evenings, young men make it to the field for practices, and there are games multiple times a week. Honestly, it is kind of terrifying to watch because I can't say the players are particularly skillful... <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtuHpe6lYSg/UJFOCTaxJ3I/AAAAAAAAJVs/_Bucg5YT7Jg/s1600/IMGP2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtuHpe6lYSg/UJFOCTaxJ3I/AAAAAAAAJVs/_Bucg5YT7Jg/s320/IMGP2834.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Diara Pont Team</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xzU1PRoHAA/UJFPHUxY6cI/AAAAAAAAJV4/F1HPvt6RUFs/s1600/577318_10101535933324208_1363057016_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xzU1PRoHAA/UJFPHUxY6cI/AAAAAAAAJV4/F1HPvt6RUFs/s320/577318_10101535933324208_1363057016_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p><center>Watching the game against Kekeressi in Dar Salam</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfNFeTdbvv4/UJFLKTKHWbI/AAAAAAAAJVA/gST15o2p5_s/s1600/IMGP2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfNFeTdbvv4/UJFLKTKHWbI/AAAAAAAAJVA/gST15o2p5_s/s320/IMGP2831.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>My host sister and her friends</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-35964478724149802272012-10-31T07:40:00.001-07:002012-11-04T06:06:46.356-08:00Tabaski in Missirah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>So after the Sphires, we parted ways to make it back in time for the Islamic holiday of Tabaski. Knowing I would not have time to make it back to my village, I coordinated to go to Ian's Jaxanke village, Missirah Dantala. I would have limited ability to communicate, but I hadn't made it out his direction yet, so thought it'd be fun. After hiking our bikes down a treacherous rocky path, we biked the 40km bush paths to his village in the heat of the day. We were welcomed warmly by his huge family. My compound consists of two families (brothers and their immediate families) totaling 15 people whereas Ian's family includes about 130 people. It was really interesting not only spending time in a Jaxanke village (a different ethnic group than the Pula Fuuta's I live with), but also with a man on the holiday. Rather than helping cook like I did on Korite, I walked around greeting many people with a large group of men. Also, his village is much larger than mine, so the greater scale was cool to experience. After walking to morning prayer (following a drum, men in front, women in back), listening to readings of the Koran, I watched his family slaughter 18 sheep (his family only! CRAZY, his father is also the chief of the village) and then rested. I ate a big lunch at the chief's house but was not allowed to go to the mosque for afternoon prayer. I enjoyed grilled meat throughout the day, and mango hard candies. The following day I ended up biking to Saraya (48km) since transportation I wanted to take out was not running because of the holiday. <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQz9ncTQxps/UJE1kdtQtLI/AAAAAAAAJT8/FuNlF1N-kXQ/s1600/IMGP2956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQz9ncTQxps/UJE1kdtQtLI/AAAAAAAAJT8/FuNlF1N-kXQ/s320/IMGP2956.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Path</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PY1DDv4lcXw/UJE2K1CJR2I/AAAAAAAAJUI/o1ni9mDYJ44/s1600/IMGP2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PY1DDv4lcXw/UJE2K1CJR2I/AAAAAAAAJUI/o1ni9mDYJ44/s320/IMGP2958.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Walk to morning prayer</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ9lSdTHdwU/UJE23qQtq4I/AAAAAAAAJUU/P5y25HOb04M/s1600/IMGP2964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJ9lSdTHdwU/UJE23qQtq4I/AAAAAAAAJUU/P5y25HOb04M/s320/IMGP2964.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Koran reading under sheets</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVGJCWGaDL4/UJE33g41ORI/AAAAAAAAJUg/lz7jdSlQsuM/s1600/IMGP2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVGJCWGaDL4/UJE33g41ORI/AAAAAAAAJUg/lz7jdSlQsuM/s320/IMGP2972.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>SLAUGHTERING</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsLn3lwaspw/UJZ1kqzUVJI/AAAAAAAAJXk/Jdi0JN95ggc/s1600/Diop%2527s%252C%2BZachary%2B%252B%2BDave%252C%2BTabaski%2BHalloween%2B417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vsLn3lwaspw/UJZ1kqzUVJI/AAAAAAAAJXk/Jdi0JN95ggc/s320/Diop%2527s%252C%2BZachary%2B%252B%2BDave%252C%2BTabaski%2BHalloween%2B417.JPG" /></a></div> <p><center>Ian & myself</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-46814341570458527382012-10-31T07:19:00.001-07:002012-10-31T16:46:55.709-07:00Sphires Biking/Camping Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Locals say that the Sphires have gypsies. It may be suspicion, however, there is a legacy of eventful adventures of Peace Corps volunteers going. One trip someone went into shock while coming down due to a bee attack. Some people get lost on the way up and don't make it. Others have had storms and ran out of water. Our trip to the Sphires was successful (for the majority of the party... 3 out of 5) although nonetheless, eventful for all. After visiting a newly discovered waterfall near Ashleigh's village, we biked along the ridgeline to Fongolimbi, and then to our final destination, Maragou. However, the last 7km we rode by flashlight (talk about terrifying, my phone flashlight is very dim!). Upon arriving we were warmly welcomed by the chief's family, and they prepared food that we brought. In the morning we stopped to fill our waterbottles before the hike. Just over an hour in (after bushwhacking through tall grasses with scatter rocks/boulders and occasional forested breaks), Rob shouts out and grabs his leg while stepping over a log. Looking at the marks we decide it could be a snake bite and call our medical office--amazingly there was cell phone service. We wait an hour trying to figure out what to do since the bite does not appear to be severe, although there is the potential that it was a venomous, and we are in the middle of no where (nearest health post an hour hike away and then 15km road, then if more serious, it'd be another 30km to Kedougou). Rob insists on going down. Andrew accompanies him while the three of us, myself, Ashleigh, and Ian, continue on. On their walk back to Maragou they encounter a chimpanzee that stood up and beat its chest at them from a distance. Rob ends up going to Dakar via plane to receive anti venom and was fine. In just fifteen minutes after parting, we reach the top. It is GORGEOUS. We have troops of baboons on either side of us, with clear views into Senegal and Guinea. We also see an assortment of birds, as well as rock hyrexes. During the night we are kept up by the hooting of owls and howling of hyenas. It was my favorite trip so far in Senegal. Very reminiscent of a climbing trip! (Although minus the climbing). <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B03IQFhGLH4/UJEcIxsTVzI/AAAAAAAAJRI/NnupRcALlFg/s1600/IMGP2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B03IQFhGLH4/UJEcIxsTVzI/AAAAAAAAJRI/NnupRcALlFg/s320/IMGP2926.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>View from hiking up to Ashleigh's village, Kewboye </center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgGyQNv0fB0/UJEebYIlKxI/AAAAAAAAJRU/mfOdQLnJ414/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgGyQNv0fB0/UJEebYIlKxI/AAAAAAAAJRU/mfOdQLnJ414/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Waterfall</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-KwPLhNFIs/UJEgZzMpDDI/AAAAAAAAJRg/zVKqLF5LiJc/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-KwPLhNFIs/UJEgZzMpDDI/AAAAAAAAJRg/zVKqLF5LiJc/s320/IMG_1363.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Broken derailer on route</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5QIM4jnQtY/UJElVsrKbAI/AAAAAAAAJR8/tUJsCtqef-s/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5QIM4jnQtY/UJElVsrKbAI/AAAAAAAAJR8/tUJsCtqef-s/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>En route</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JecF99Juztc/UJEmh2lk25I/AAAAAAAAJSI/bJhp4jYjJsw/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JecF99Juztc/UJEmh2lk25I/AAAAAAAAJSI/bJhp4jYjJsw/s320/IMG_1422.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>SPHIRES</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wtnNX-xTUo/UJEvbQGHhLI/AAAAAAAAJTE/Qz-canOAlIk/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wtnNX-xTUo/UJEvbQGHhLI/AAAAAAAAJTE/Qz-canOAlIk/s320/IMG_1436.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Baboons</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZANBaLtipjs/UJEzTJT-LRI/AAAAAAAAJTw/4tCnoYnDmMQ/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZANBaLtipjs/UJEzTJT-LRI/AAAAAAAAJTw/4tCnoYnDmMQ/s320/IMG_1403.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Wall I'd like to climb but won't</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s08Bf-PNsnk/UJEyIyBsGXI/AAAAAAAAJTk/Fn8NTy3ew_s/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s08Bf-PNsnk/UJEyIyBsGXI/AAAAAAAAJTk/Fn8NTy3ew_s/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Sunset</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-80541386941164691382012-10-31T06:41:00.002-07:002012-11-15T03:38:34.352-08:00Fundraising for Youth Leadership Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>I am helping coordinate a week long residential youth leadership camp for 20 adolescents of Kedougou in March. We are hoping to get a boy and girl from 10 surrounding villages. If you are interested in donating to help make this happen (transport, lodging, materials, etc), please find more detailed information below, along with a donation link. <p>Thank you! <p>For many Americans, summer camps are a fun and exciting part of growing up. Kids get to meet new friends, do arts and crafts, play sports, sing songs, act out skits – the list of possible activities is endless. Summer camps are enjoyable, but more often than not they also help young people develop independence, social skills, critical thinking, athleticism, and creativity. <p>In Senegal, most boys and girls not only miss out on the chance to go to summer camp, but they also don’t have places to go where creative thinking, problem-solving, and appreciation for the natural world are encouraged. Because of this, Peace Corps Volunteers have decided to coordinate a Youth Leadership Camp for middle school students from around the region this coming March. The camp will have classic team-building activities, life skills session, interactive environmental education activities, career talks, health education sessions, and time to just have fun with other kids during their spring break. <p>The volunteers of Kédougou are excited about the camp and are really looking forward to giving Senegalese kids from our local communities the chance to experience all the joys and growth experiences that a camp has to offer. Our camp is a Peace Corps Partnership Project, which means that it will be funded by a contribution from the community and by the financial support of donors from around the world. If you're interested in participating in this project or in making a donation in honor of a friend or loved one this holiday season, please take a minute to check out the link: <a href="https://donate.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=685-224">https://donate.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=685-224</a>.Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-44460629662283085342012-10-31T05:07:00.000-07:002012-10-31T05:19:50.264-07:00Mango GraftingMy job description has a season in which "work" is done. It started in March by preparing tree nurseries. Throughout that month, I encouraged people to make their own tree nurseries while I maintained my own. Once the rains come, then you can out plant the trees in the nursery and hope for good survival rates. However, with mangoes the process can be a little bit more involved if one wants to graft. Grafting is great because you can have the root stock of a variety that is adjusted to local conditions (soil, weather, etc), but fruit of a more preferred variety (sweeter, bigger fruit, smaller seeds, etc). In order to do this, you keep the mangoes in the nursery, ideally trench them, and then wait until the following year to graft. <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I03zBbD0NE/UJEXQDuf9JI/AAAAAAAAJQs/ehdBD_ANHS0/s1600/IMGP2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I03zBbD0NE/UJEXQDuf9JI/AAAAAAAAJQs/ehdBD_ANHS0/s320/IMGP2864.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Trenched mangoes to be grafted next year</center><p>In coordination with the NGO Trees for the Future, Peace Corps volunteers in Kedougou organized a regional tourney to teach people how to graft. For my area, we held the training in my town with villagers from Diara Pont, Dar Salam, Salemata, Epingue, Etchilo, and Nangar attending. The two day training went really well with translation done by Robert's host father, Weliba Dialla, and Karumba, coordinator for Trees for the Future. The first day we were fortunate to have Cherif Djitte come down from Peace Corps to train as well. The first day was primarily instruction [introduction (why graft, etc); scions (selection, storage, etc); rootstock (how to prep); cuts (different techniques); ties (how to protect the graft); follow up] and the second day the villagers demonstrated what they learned the previous day. Everyone also got to go home with two grafted mango trees! It was great too since three womens' group presidents came (yay for more equal gender representation)! My host mom did a great job cooking and we lucked out with weather (no rain). The attendees were so excited about the training they they formed a "group" and elected a board for Salemata Regional Mango Grafters. <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_cwPQ_vrGU/UJEUTtvGOtI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/e7AdMDR5cxM/s1600/IMGP2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_cwPQ_vrGU/UJEUTtvGOtI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/e7AdMDR5cxM/s320/IMGP2738.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Djitte and Weliba Training</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Jue8bpd2I/UJEROMP7hbI/AAAAAAAAJPs/2-5i6OtQAtY/s1600/IMGP2782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Jue8bpd2I/UJEROMP7hbI/AAAAAAAAJPs/2-5i6OtQAtY/s320/IMGP2782.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Roots stalks and scions</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_xAiXDozFA/UJETJzuN5QI/AAAAAAAAJQE/hh83u8ziWhU/s1600/IMGP2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_xAiXDozFA/UJETJzuN5QI/AAAAAAAAJQE/hh83u8ziWhU/s320/IMGP2758.JPG" /></a></div> <p><center>Grafting</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzVHUTfXyTM/UJEPl14TpxI/AAAAAAAAJPg/8jOe6p4ZC0A/s1600/IMGP2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzVHUTfXyTM/UJEPl14TpxI/AAAAAAAAJPg/8jOe6p4ZC0A/s320/IMGP2771.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Villagers Presenting</center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_sA8U7crzc/UJEOxeX_vbI/AAAAAAAAJPU/eK_8R2RotSU/s1600/IMGP2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_sA8U7crzc/UJEOxeX_vbI/AAAAAAAAJPU/eK_8R2RotSU/s320/IMGP2794.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Walking back from the Mango Orchard </center><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yl_lkT17Bg/UJER-yWeXoI/AAAAAAAAJP4/gSSvzHn_cSw/s1600/IMGP2793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="215" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yl_lkT17Bg/UJER-yWeXoI/AAAAAAAAJP4/gSSvzHn_cSw/s320/IMGP2793.JPG" /></a></div><p><center>Group Photo!</center>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5324068716523318629.post-35371096119510863112012-10-31T04:21:00.000-07:002012-10-31T04:21:16.769-07:00ECHO conference in Burkina Faso<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>In June I was notified that I was one of 8 selected volunteers (there are over 250 in country) to go to Burkina Faso and attend the second annual <a href="www.echonet.org/">ECHO</a>(Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization), a Christian organization committed to equipping people with resources and skills to reduce hunger and improve the lives of the poor, West Africa Networking Forum in Ouagadougou. <p>The trip overall was fun to go on, although the conference in itself offered limited new information. Nevertheless, the opportunity to go to Burkina was great, despite remaining within a 10 block radius (including the airport). I also met a few Peace Corps volunteers from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea, and Benin, although the majority of the conference was made up of practitioners (200 attendees total from over 20 countries). Hotel Pacific was nice, although I didn't have time to enjoy the pool. The conference went from 9am-6:30pm each day (with a morning tea break and lunch), excluding the morning hour of dedications starting at 8am, with presentations being translated from English to French or vise versa (I was impressed with my comprehension). The last evening everyone was presented a certificate which I can add to my collection (receiving certificates here are a really big deal and "proof" of education/knowledge/skills/etc). <p> The subjects presented on included the following: Challenges in Agriculture; Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR); Foundations for Farming; Organizing and Mobilizing Communities for Produce Marketing;Maximizing Economic Benefit of Farming; Natural Medicine for People & the Environment; Improving Crop Yields & Food Security by Using Soil & Water Conservation Techniques; Recent Developments in Vegetable Breeding: Promoting Vegetable Varieties for Nutrition & Income; Exploring the Health & Economic Benefits of Moringa; Conservation Agriculture: An Opportunity to Improve the Sustainability of Family Farms; Ignored Crops that Can Change Sahelian Agriculture. <p>In the evenings with other volunteers, we went to dinner and Caitlin and I found a great leather worker at the artisinal village where we bought our souvenirs. I unfortunately cannot say much about the country besides the high prevalence of motos and great cafes.Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05604297712451110925noreply@blogger.com0